Beyond Autobiography: Iqbal Survé Launches “A Shared Future For Humanity” in Umhlanga

The Radisson Blu in Umhlanga became a gathering point for prominent business and political figures on Tuesday as Dr. Iqbal Survé, chairperson of the Sekunjalo Group, launched the second leg of his book tour for “A Shared Future For Humanity.” The event, attended by former President Jacob Zuma, MK Party MP Brian Molefe, and businessman Vivian Reddy, was framed not as a celebration of individual achievement, but as a collective reflection on shared values and resilience.

Survé was clear about the book’s purpose: “This is not an autobiography. It’s really about the journey and saying thank you,” he told the audience. He described the work as an exploration of “shared humanity, equality, and opportunity,” arguing that despite superficial differences in skin tone, wealth, or culture, fundamental human aspirations unite us all.

“We all want opportunities for our children, our community. We all want safety… yet there’s so much division. So the book really is about that message, it’s a shared humanity,” Survé stated.

A Nod from Political and Business Circles

The launch served as a visible show of support for Survé, a figure who has been both influential and controversial in South Africa’s business media landscape. Former President Zuma took the podium to praise Survé’s perseverance. “I wanted to come to see you, to see the book, and I’m going to read it, and also see you having succeeded under very serious situations,” Zuma said, commending him for helping to “dilute the wrong things that are said” and change the manner of reporting in South Africa.

Businessman Vivian Reddy highlighted Survé’s personal journey “from medicine to entrepreneurship, from activism to institution building,” noting that it “sits at the centre of this narrative.” Reddy praised Survé’s resilience, stating, “You understand… that influence brings scrutiny, that leadership brings criticism. And that progress often demands resilience in the face of misunderstanding.”

The book delves into the Survé family’s business ventures, philanthropic work, and international initiatives. By titling a chapter “Gratitude,” Survé intentionally shifts the focus from solo accomplishment to the network of support that shaped his path. In a climate of intense public and legal scrutiny, the Umhlanga event was as much about affirming a legacy and a philosophical stance as it was about launching a booka public reaffirmation of a narrative centred on collective struggle and shared human values.